Greek Dwarf Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an adorable small leafed basil that grows as an Annual. The small green leaves are fragrant and produce delicious white flowers that pair well with all meats, soups, stews or caprese salads, but I like them on vanilla ice cream. Some chefs grow it indoors and find it grows well in small containers on the kitchen windowsill. Basil is native to Southeast Asia, and has been an integral part of Asian cuisine for centuries. Basil has been in Europe since the Middle Ages, and fount its new home in the Mediterranean. The Greek basil is widely sought after for its tiny leaves. The plants are smaller than most basil plants and stay about 6″ tall and are compact and round shaped.
Historically, basil has been used as a medicinal herbal and is believed to help digestion, lower blood pressure, and calm symptoms of lung disease. These are just a few of the many health benefits. Basil is great for aroma therapy from the extraction of its oils.. Symbolically, it has represented both love and hate depending on which culture you ask. The Ancient Greeks and Romans had negative associations with it and they would traditional curse and shout when planting it. Perhaps play loud music If you decide to try that next time you plant basil so you don’t disturb your neighbors.
More plants?Come to the Garden of Eat’n and discover our 2021 varieties.